There are many law firms which offer workers’ compensation services. Most of those firms have very little experience in this complex area of the law but still charge full 1/3 contingency fees. At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP, our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with over 22 years experience each. Nevertheless, in these very difficult economic times, we offer a reduced attorney fee of 25% if a case is settled prior to requesting a hearing. Of course, the decision to settle or go to trial is always made by the client. The document below is our firm’s retainer agreement for your review. It is one page and, we hope, very straightforward. When considering a law firm, make sure you can understand their agreement and ask if they offer a similar reduced fee without going to court. Also, check out their credentials and how many years they have actually been practcing workers compensation law. Compare our attorneys to any other firm. Then, let’s sit down and personally discuss your particular case. After that, you will be in the best position to choose the most qualified lawyer to protect your interests.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RETAINER AGREEMENT
COUNTY OF ______________________ Robert J. Reeves, P.C.
Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, L.L.P.
This is a contract agreement to engage professional legal services between
Robert J. Reeves, P.C. (Attorneys) and __________________________________________________
(Client) for any and all claims resulting from a work-related accident that occurred
on or about _________________, against __________________________________________(Employer).
Attorneys will develop all material evidence on Client’s behalf and prosecute all legally viable claims against all legally responsible parties. Client will be kept informed of significant developments in their case and will have sole discretion to accept or reject any final settlement offer. Attorneys will exercise their professional judgment as to what actions and/or claims to file and pursue. This Agreement covers legal representation through an initial mediation and/or hearing. Any appeals require a separate Retainer Agreement.
This Agreement is a contingency contract, meaning there are no attorney fees unless, and only if, the client receives money, either through settlement or hearing. If resolved PRIOR to filing a Request for Hearing, the attorney fee is 25% of any disputed amounts recovered, including temporary total and/or permanent disability benefits. If a Request for Hearing becomes necessary, the attorney fee increases to 33.33%. “Costs” are different from “attorney fees” and are deducted separately. Costs include such items as medical records, filing fees, expert witness charges, and deposition charges, if applicable. ALL ATTORNEY FEES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION (SCWCC).
No promises or guarantees have been made regarding any financial recovery. We only guarantee our best efforts and hard work on your behalf. If this Agreement ends before the case is concluded, Attorneys are entitled to costs and appropriate attorney fees as approved by the SCWCC for all work done to date.
We are honored that you have chosen our firm to represent you. We value your trust and will do everything we can to earn your loyalty now and in the future.
DATED this _________ day of ___________________________, 201_____.
Client Robert J. Reeves, P.C.
___________________________________________ ________________________________________